Principles and Practice
Chapter 30 cont.
CNS Tumors (page 618):
Detection and diagnoses:
No screening tests detect tumors before presenting symptoms
Most symptoms appear as the tumor creates ICP (intracranial pressure)
-headache
-nausea
-vomiting
-blurred vision
-balance issues
-personality and behavior changes
-seizures
-drowsiness
-coma (rare)
Changes in behavior and personality are not often noted by the patient so it’s important to get
another consultant
Symptoms of a long duration indicate a slow growing tumor
-sudden onset of symptoms indicate a high-grade and bigger size malignancy
In spinal cord lesions, sensory testing is important in determining the level of the lesion
-motor testing may reveal weakness
Results of ICP:
-hydrocephalus
-edema
-infection
-hemorrhage
Benign tumor symptoms are usually related to ICP
Malignant tumors can cause pressure and destruction of the CNS tissue
-symptoms depend on location
-tumor localization is possible through symptom analysis of function
CT:
-distinguish edema, CSF, blood, tumor, and healthy brain tissue
-risk of scan is minimal
-iodine based contrast important for visualization of tumor extent, vascularization, and
location
-a contrast enhanced volume is indicative of a tumor
MRI:
-important imaging modality because it shows chemical changes in the brain
-evaluate tumor response or recurrence after treatment
Chapter 30 cont.
CNS Tumors (page 618):
Detection and diagnoses:
No screening tests detect tumors before presenting symptoms
Most symptoms appear as the tumor creates ICP (intracranial pressure)
-headache
-nausea
-vomiting
-blurred vision
-balance issues
-personality and behavior changes
-seizures
-drowsiness
-coma (rare)
Changes in behavior and personality are not often noted by the patient so it’s important to get
another consultant
Symptoms of a long duration indicate a slow growing tumor
-sudden onset of symptoms indicate a high-grade and bigger size malignancy
In spinal cord lesions, sensory testing is important in determining the level of the lesion
-motor testing may reveal weakness
Results of ICP:
-hydrocephalus
-edema
-infection
-hemorrhage
Benign tumor symptoms are usually related to ICP
Malignant tumors can cause pressure and destruction of the CNS tissue
-symptoms depend on location
-tumor localization is possible through symptom analysis of function
CT:
-distinguish edema, CSF, blood, tumor, and healthy brain tissue
-risk of scan is minimal
-iodine based contrast important for visualization of tumor extent, vascularization, and
location
-a contrast enhanced volume is indicative of a tumor
MRI:
-important imaging modality because it shows chemical changes in the brain
-evaluate tumor response or recurrence after treatment
